Dispensing apparatus for soap and other viscous materials



M. M. PALO A ril 23, 1957 DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR SOAP AND OTHER VISCOUS MATERIALS 2 Sheets- Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 7, 1954 II/Ill I lllll INVENTOR MAURICE M.. PALO BY W ATTORNEY A ril 23, 1957 M. M. PALO 2,789,737

DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR SOAP AND OTHER VISCOUS MATERIALS Filed Jan. 7, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4s 40 n 32 Y 39 INVENTOR MAURICE M. PALO BY ATTO NEY Avrnnu. A,

United States PatentO DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR SOAP AND OTHER VISCOUS MATERIALS Maurice M. Palo, Conneaut, Ohio, assignor to Bauite Co., Bulfalo, N. Y., a partnership Application January 7, 1954, Serial No. 402,747

6 Claims. (Cl. 222-326) The present invention relates to dispensing devices, and more particularly to an improved apparatus for dispensing soap and other materials in measured quantities.

As an overall object, the present invention seeks to provide certain specific improvements in soap dispensers of a heretofore known general type, to the end of simplifying the construction of such apparatus and of improving the operation thereof.

More specifically, this invention seeks'to provide an improved soap dispensing apparatus of the type having a container for viscous soap material, a screw actuated follower for expelling the soap, lever means for propelling the follower through incremental movements of predetermined magnitude, valve means for controlling the outflow of soap material and delayed valve opening means whereby a certain pressure built up by the follower prior to therelease of the soap so that the same is forcibly ejected from the container intothe hands, for example, of a user of the dispensing apparatus. Soap dispensing devices having these general features are, of course, well known in the art, and the present invention, therefore, seeks to effect specific improvements in certain of the features whereby a dispenser of substantial overall improvement is afforded.

One of the specific objects of the invention is the provision in a soap dispenser of the type having a screw actuated follower for expelling the soap material of a follower and actuator of an improved type whereby recharging of the apparatus with soap material is greatly facilitated and whereby jamming of the follower device through careless operation is virtually precluded. In this respect the invention provides a rotatable threaded rod which upon rotation drives a threaded expelling plunger and which is provided with a splined end portion which may be readily inserted and withdrawn from a splined driving socket, the arrangement being such that as the plunger reaches the splined end of the driving rod, the soap container being substantially empty at such time, the rod may be withdrawn, and the plunger removed and placed upon the opposite end of the-rod, ready to expel a new charge of soap. This is in contrast to prior arangement wherein it has been necessary to screw the driving rod or plunger in a reverse direction, back to the opposite end of the roda time consuming task as will be apparent. Furtherin this respect, the invention provides for recessing or relieving the driving rod at its splined end portion and substantially spaced from the discharge end of the soap container so that as the plunger reaches the end of its stroke it merely disengages from the driving rod and the dispensing apparatus is rendered inoperative until subsequently refilled.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of an improved driving arrangement for a dispensing device of the type described wherein the drive rod is vertically disposed in the container and the operating lever is pivoted about a horizontal axis at the lower end of the dispenser, being operated by a forward drawing movement of a user of the apparatus. In this respect 2,789,737 Patented Apr. 23, 1957 the invention seeks to simplify heretofore known structures and mechanisms for translating the forward movement of the operating lever into predetermined rotative movement of the drive rod, while opening the discharge valve in timed relation to the movement of the plunger. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention there is provided a driving disc, positioned at the discharge end of the dispenser and rotatable about a vertical axis, the disc being rotated through a predetermined are upon movement of the operating lever and being effective to rotate the driving rod through a similar are through a ratchet type drive connection. And further, in accordance with the teachings of the invention, there is provided a novel valve mechanism which is mechanically interconnected with the driving disc whereby to be opened and closed in timed relation to movements of the disc.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision in a soap dispensing valve of the type having a timed valve mechanism of an improved valve which incorporates pressure relief means therein to prevent the buildup of excessive pressures within the container. In dispensing apparatus of heretofore known types incorporating delayed opening valves it is possible to generate large pressures within the soap container by moving the operating lever rapidly through short operating strokes, causing the expelling plunger to move while preventing opening of the valve. And in some instances, through careless orintentionally wrongful operation of prior dispensers of-this type, the dispensers have been burst open by the generation of excessive pressure within the soap containers.

Yet another specific object of the invention is the provision in a soap dispensing device of the type having a removable and replaceable charge container and cover therefor, and employing an axially disposed spindle to both secure the container and cap and journal the drive rod, of an improved fast-acting locking mechanism whereby the drive rod may beheld in an operative position and the container may be secured in the dispenser in fluid-tight relation.

The above and other objects of the invention will become apparent upon full consideration of the following detailed specification: and accompanying drawing wherein are illustrated certain specific embodiments of my invention.

; In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a soap dispenser incorporating variousfeatures of my invention;

Figure 2 is a section view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 1; I

.Figure 3 is a section view taken along line III-III of-Figure 2;

Figure: 4 is a section view taken generally along line IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section view taken generally along line V--V of Figure 3; and

Figure 6 is a broken away view of a modified valving arrangement which may be incorporated into the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawing, and initially to Figures 1 and 2 thereof, the reference numeral 10 designates a base or body member of a soap dispenser which is provided with suitable means 11 for engaging a wall bracket 12 for positioning the dispenser in operative relation on the wall, not shown, of a wash room, for example. The base 10 is provided with a circular upper surface for receiving and supporting the lower end of a container 13 of soap, for example. And to enclose the upper end of the container there is provided a suitable cover or cap-14, as shown; An operating lever 15 is carried onjthe' base 10 and has driving interconnection with a vertically disposed threaded rod 16 carrying a plunger or follower 17 thereon. The apparatus above described is purely conventional in a general sense, and the intended operation is such that manipulation of the lever 15 causesdownward movement of the follower 17, causing soap to be displaced from the container 13 through a suitable outletnozzle 18.

Following conventional constructions, there is anchored at the center of the base '10 an upwardly extending spindle 19 which is provided with a shouldered and threaded upper end portion 20, as shown in Figure 2. Slidably received over the spindle 19 is a threaded driving rod 16. And, of course, the rod 16 is freely rotatable on the spindle 19.

It will be observed in Figure 2 that the upper endof the driving rod 16, in its assembled relation, is positioned below the shouldered portion 20 of the spindle. Thus, to maintain the rod 16 in position there is provided a threaded member 21 which engages the shouldered portion 20 and provides a shoulder adjacent the upper end of the rod 16 to prevent upward movement of the latter. The member 21 may also be conveniently utilized to secure the cap or cover member 14 to the container 13, and to this end the invention provides an improved fast-acting device for this purpose. 7

Referring again to Figure 2, the threaded member 21, which may be termed a locking member, is bored horizontally adjacent its upper end for the reception of a pin 22. And pivotally secured by the pin 22 is a locking lever 23 having a cam surface 24 at its inner end. The shape of the cam surface is such that when the lever 23 is in a vertically disposed position the cover 14 is loosely seated on the upper end of the container 13, while upon the lever 23 being pivoted downwardly into the position shown in Figure 2 the cap is firmly pressed down, sealing the container 13 about its end edges.

In order to change containers, for example, the lever 23 is first pivoted upwardly, releasing the pressure upon the cover 14, and the locking member 21 is removed from the threaded end portion 20 of the spindle. The locking member 21 and cover 14 may then be removed, exposing theupper end of the container 13 and permitting removal of the same, along with the driving rod 16 and plunger 17, if desired. Normally, the locking member 21 and cover 14 are removed simultaneously, and to facilitate this it may be desirable to provide a snap ring 25 or equivalent device at the lower end of the locking member so that the locking member and cover 14 are at all times maintained in assembled relation.

A suitable gasket 26, of rubber or resilient plastic material, is provided on the upper surface of the base to engage the lower end edges of the container 13. And, of course, when the locking lever 23 is drawn downwardly the container is drawn firmly into sealing engagement with the gasket as desired.

In the preferred dispensing apparatus the expelling plunger or follower 17 is provided with a threaded central collar member 27, having engagement with the driving rod 16, an an annular sealing ring 28 extending about the peripheral edges of the plunger. Thearrangement is such that the sealing ring 28 contacts the side walls of the container 13 to prevent passage of the soap material about the plunger and also to provide frictional engagement with the container 13 to resist rotation of the plunger 17 during rotary movements ofthe driving rod 16. And in accordance with the present invention the plunger is provided at its top surface with a bail 29 which may be readily grasped by the hand to facilitate removing the plunger as will be hereafter more fully described.

Referring still to Figure 2 there is provided in the base 10 a central well or recess 30 having an annular shoulder 31 therein which supports a disc-like driving member 32 at its outer peripheral edge portions. -In accordance with the teachings of the invention the disc member 32 is adapted for a limited rotary movement within the well 30. And at the right hand sideof the disc there is provided a radially elongated aperture 33 (refer also to Figures 3 and 5) in which is received a driving pin 34. The pin 34 is secured at the inner end portion of a shaft 35 which is journaled in the base member 10, extending both into the well 30 and outwardly of the base 10, at its right hand side. At the outer end of the shaft is secured the upwardly extending operating lever 15. And as will be apparent,,pivotal movement of thelever 15 will be duplicated by the drive pin 34, and in turn translated into rotary movement of the disc member 32.

In accordance with the preferred method of operation only a limited pivotal movement of the lever 15 is desired, a movement of 40 having been found to be most suitable. Accordingly, this invention provides that the drive pin 34 extend downwardly below the shaft 35, as shown in Figure 5 for example; and there are provided spaced abutments 36 and 37 which engage the lower portion 34' of the drive pin, acting as positive limit stops to its movement.

As mentioned heretofore, in the preferred dispensing apparatus an expelling or dispensing operation is effected upon a forward drawing motion of the operating lever 15. Thus, I have provided a spiral torsion spring 38 which urges the lever 15 in a rearward direction, while permitting the same to be drawn forwardly to expel a charge of soap material.

-Of course, it is necessary that the reciprocal movements of the lever 15 and driving disc 32 be effective in'rotating the drive rod in a single direction only, i. e., clockwise as viewed in Figure 3. Therefore, in accordance with the teachings of the invention I have provided a secondary driving disc 39 which is received in a central aperture in the main or primary driving disc 32, the secondary disc 39 being provided with a flange 40 at its upper end which engages the upper surface of the larger disc 32, supporting and positioning the smaller disc as desired.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the secondary driving disc is provided along its main outer wall with a series (ten in the present illustration) of ratchet teeth 41 which are adapted to engage with a pair of oppositely disposed ratchet pawls 42 carried in the larger primary disc 32. Springs 43 act upon the pawls 42 to normally urge the same into engagement with the teeth 41. And the arrangement is such that forward or clockwise movements of the primary disc 32 impart positive forward movements to the secondary disc 39, while during rearward movements of the large disc 32 the inner disc may remain stationary.

To prevent rearward movements of the inner disc 39 there is provided in the apparatus of my invention a dog 44 which is recessed in the body or base 10 and urged upwardly into contact with the lower edge of the inner disc 39 by means of a spring 45. A series of ratchet teeth 46 (see Figure 2) are provided along the lower edge of the inner disc 39, and these last mentioned teeth 46 are so disposed as to permit ratcheting movement of the inner disc 39 as the same is driven in a forward direction by the disc 32 while locking the inner disc against rearward or counterclockwise motion during return movements of the main driving disc 32.

In the preferred form of the invention the limit stops 36 and 37 are so arranged as to permit a 40 movement of the main driving disc 32, while, of course, the ratchet stops are spaced every 36 about the inner disc 39. The arrangement is such that 2 overtravel is provided at each end of the operating movement of the main driving disc 32. And in this manner it is assured that the ratchet devices 42 and 44 will engage with certainty in all instances.

In accordance With the teachings of the invention the inner disc 39 is provided with a splined socket 47, shown best in Figure ,6, which is adapted to slidably receive the lower end of the driving rod 16. As may be observed in Figures 2 and 4, the lower end of the tubular driving rod16 is milled or otherwise relieved on opposite sides so that two downwardly extending tab-like splines 16 are formed which are received in complementary recessed portions 47' in the socket 47. Thus, the body of the-driving rod 16 rests upon the upper surface of the disc 39, as shown in Figure 4, while the tab-like splines 16 extend down into the socket 47 in driving engagement with the disc 39, as shown in Figure 2. Also, the extreme lower end portion 16" of the drive rod 16 is relieved so that there are no threads immediately adjacent the socket 47. The arrangement is such, as will" be observed in Figure 2, that :as the plunger 17 is worked downwardly on the drive rod 16, through repeated operations of the lever 15, the plunger becomes disengaged from the rod 16, rendering the dispensing apparatus inoperative.

"Of course, when the apparatus becomes inoperative in the manner above described, refilling is indicated; and this'is accomplished by removing the exhausted container 13 and substituting therefor a similar but fully charged container.

To remove the container 13 the cap 14 is first removed in the manner heretofore described, and the driving rod 16 is withdrawn vertically from its splined socket. At this time the container 13 may be removed, the plunger 17 being frictionally held within the container as will be apparent. Next the operator grasps the plunger 17 by its bail 29, withdrawing it from the exhausted container.

A new container may now be assembled into the dispensing apparatus. And this operation is initiated by first inserting the rod 16 into its splined socket, and then positioning the charged container over the rod 16 in the manner shown in Figure 2. The plunger may then be engaged with the threaded rod 16, at the upper end thereof, the cover 14 replaced and locked, and the apparatus is ready for immediate use. The entire operation is simple and expedient as will be readily apparent.

As set forth in the objects of my invention, it is desirable, during operation of the dispensing apparatus, to build up a predetermined pressure within the container 13 prior to discharging material therefrom so that the same is more or less propelled or projected from the dispenser. To this end I have provided a nozzle 48 communicating with the lower end of the container 13 through a passage 49 (see Figure 3) and having a valving member 50 in the passage for controlling the flow of material therethrough.

In prior apparatus or" which I am aware it has been common to provide positive acting valving devices for this same purpose and operating in the same general manner. However, I have found that such arrangements are subject to disadvantages, particularly in that substantial pressures can be built up within the container, sometimes resulting in the bursting of the container. To overcome this undesirable aspect of the prior apparatus I provide a mechanical operator for the valve 50 comprising a coil spring 51 which is attached to the main driving plate 32 by an anchoring pin 52. The mechanism is illustrated in Figure 3 wherein the main drive plate 32 is in a normal rearward position, causing the spring 51 to be placed under tension to effectively seal off the passage 49, under normal circumstances. Now as the disc 32 is rotated forwardly in a driving direction the anchor pin 52 is caused to move closer to the valving shoulder in the passage 49, releasing the tension on the spring 51 and permitting the valve member 50 to move away from its seat. In this respect my improved valving arrangement is substantially equivalent to prior mechanisms employing a direct mechanical connection. However, it will be noted that even when the valve 50 is in a closed position, with the spring 51 under full tension, any excessive pressure within the container 13 will be relieved by overcoming the force of the spring.

My irnproved valveftherefore; has the attributes anda socket 58 carried by the main driving disc 32' of the dispenser apparatus.

In the illustration ofFigure 6, the piston 55 is in a retracted position, assumed upon a forward movement of the driving plate 32'. The normal position of the plunger 55 is indicated in broken lines, and it will be observed that the first outlet passage 53 is closed off at this time. Upon forward rotary movement of the driving disc 32 pressure is applied to the contents of the can. However the piston 55 does not immediately unblock the first passage 53, 0ccasioning the buildup of pressure within the container 13 as is desired. When the piston clears the passage 53 the soap material is projected forcibly out of the passage 54 in the preferred manner, as will be understood.

It should be noted further that upon closing movement of the valve plunger 55 the same ejects substantially all soap material remaining in the passage 54 so that spoilage is reduced.

It should now be apparent that I have accomplished the objects initially set forth. My soap dispenser incorporates a number of specific improvements both in the construction and operation of the appareatus, lending to substantial overall improvement in the product.

One of the more important advantages of my invention is the facility of renewing containers as the same become exhausted from time to'time. In this respect, the invention provides a quick-acting cam release for the cover member 14, in addition to a longitudinally removable driving rod and automatically detachable expelling plunger having a folding bail thereon to facilitate handling. Whereas in the past it has been common practice to thread the expelling plunger in a reverse direction along the driving rod, my invention provides for disengaging the plunger at one end of the driving rod and engaging it at the other end for expelling a new charge of soap material.

Another advantageous feature of the invention resides in the driving mechanism therefore, including discs 32 and 29 and drive pin 34. Throughout, the driving mechanism is comprised of simple die cast or stock components requiring a minimum of additional machining operations. And, moreover, my driving mechanism is particularly well adapted to function in an additional capacity as a valve operating mechanism; that is, a suitable valve operating member, either of the spring or rigid type, may be attached to the main driving disc for operating a valving device during each operating movement of the disc.

And, of course, my novel valving arrangement, incorporating the advantages of the direct operating and check relief types of valve devices, constitutes an important feature of the invention, as damage to the dispensing apparatus through excessive pressures on the charge is wholly precluded.

It should be understood, however, that the embodiments herein specifically described are intended to be representative only, and reference should therefore be had to the following appended claims in determining the full scope and extent of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a soap dispensing apparatus of the type having a base, a soap container supported on said base, a threaded driving rod extending upwardly from said base, an expelling plunger threadedly engaging said driving rod, and means in said base to drive said rod to actuate said plunger in a downward direction; the improvement which comprises a rotatable driving member in said base having a splined socket therein, said driving rod having a splined lower end portion adapted to be longitudinally received in said socket, and abutment means to limit upward movement of said driving rod, said threaded driving rod being open ended and being readily movable from said socket whereby said plunger may be readily removed from the lower end of said rod and reapplied to the upper end thereof when recharging said dispensing apparatus.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized by said driving rod having a relieved portion adjacent its lower end whereby said plunger disengages from said rod upon reaching said relieved portion.

3. In a soap dispenser of the type having a base, a soap container supported on said base, a threaded driving rod extending upwardly from said base, an expelling plunger engaging said driving rod, and driving means in said base including an operating lever pivoted about a horizontal axis; the improvement in said driving means comprising a first driving disc supported on said base for rotation about a vertical axis, means interconnecting said first driving disc and said operating lever, a second driving disc, said second driving disc having driving connection with said threaded driving rod, first ratchet means forming a uni-direction driving connection between said first and second driving discs, and second ratchet means connecting said base and second driving discs and preventing movement of said second driving disc in one direction.

4. In a soap dispenser of the type having a base, a soap container supported on said base, expelling means, an outlet passage in said base, and valve means for opening and closing said passage; the improvement in said valve means comprising a valving member movable in said passage between open and closed positions, and valve operating means interconnecting said expelling means and operable in delayed relation thereto whereby pressure may be created in said container before said valve means opens, said valve operating means including a spring whereby said valve may open independently of said ex-;

pelling means in response to the creation of a predetermined pressure within said container.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 further'characterized by said expelling means including a driving disc rotatable about a vertical axis, said passage being directed radially outward of said disc, said valve means being movable in said passage between open and closed position, and said valve operating means comprising an exing atits upper end a cover for said container, a threaded driving rod journaled on said spindle, and an expelling plunger threadedly engaging said driving rod; the improvement which comprises rotatable driving means in said base having a splined connection with the lower end of said rod whereby said rod may be readily removed from the upper end of said spindle upon release of said cover, said driving rod being open ended whereby said plunger may be readily removed from the lower end thereof and reapplied to the upper end thereof when recharging said apparatus, and a foldable bail attached to a side of said plunger to facilitate removal thereof from said container.

References Cited in thefile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,583,993 Phariss May 11, 1926 1,639,370 Flegel Aug. 16, 1927 1,673,004 Fesler June 12, 1928 1,739,438 Butler Dec. 10, 1929- 1,778,845 Brunhofi Oct. 21, 1930 2,080,343 Smith May 11, 1937 2,423,934 Hansen July 15, 1947 2,700,490 Lippman et a1 Jan. 25, 1955 

